A solid week passed in relative silence, broken only by routine roll calls, occasional orders for menial labor and certain other duties. Though the food was awful, and the water tasted of salt, they had both somehow made it. Saya remained weakened and some of her more brutal scars took a turn for the worse. Their new friend Wesia kept them company, and tended as best she could to Saya.

“Cassy? What did you find out?”

“The ship is bound for the imperial capital city, and luckily, it’ll just be another few weeks of travel with good speed… That’s about where the good news ends.”

“Upon arrival, you’ll be split up, and sold… And pray that you are sold. The best you can do is being obedient, willing and desperate. Give them sass, and nobody buys, and that just means you’ve outlived your purpose.”

“How come you know so much?” She decided to ask, her question followed by a long silence. Finally, Wesia offered a reply.

“It’s part of the reason why I leave you from time to time. I’m the ship’s cook. The captain prefers to keep me around as I know how to make a good meal… Consider it a boon. He’s allowed me some supplies to treat you… So, I’ll ask you to thank him.”

“I know how to cook too. I know it may seem strange, but I have a good ear for boiling and cutting, I’d like to help you if I can?”

“I’ll take any help I can get…”

She followed Wesia closely in step up on deck. It was biting cold, and icicles had formed along the sails and rigging. The deck was rimed and slippery in places.

“I know it’s rude, but, why have you chosen to help the two of us out? Aren’t there families and others who also need help here?”

Wesia stopped, and looked out towards the horizon, well hidden by frozen mist.

“I just felt like it, that’s the short story. The long one is that I’ve helped countless others over time… And the captain delegates me to nurse the ones most likely to fetch a high price.” She leant closer and whispered in her ear. “In fact, the captain had the one responsible for your friend’s beating thrown overboard yesterday…”

“That’s…”

“Don’t misunderstand. It’s all business to him. Life out here is cheap. As soon as we dock, the poor and downtrodden flock to the ships for work. Those in the holds are sold off, and usually make for a great profit… After all, the empire is built on the back of slaves.”

“I used to live a life of piety, offering every day of my life to Yulie’s teachings, and we cared for anyone who came to us for aid.”

To her quiet horror, Wesia scoffed and spat out into the sea.

“I see, then priestess, I’d like to ask you this: Where was Yulie the day my husband died, leaving me to care for our two children? Where was your goddess when my children starved and died? The truth is, Yulie did not hear my pleas for salvation. The goddess of families allowed mine to crumble to dust. No, I don’t believe in your goddess, or her teachings. I’m sorry.” Wesia heaved a sigh and the thunderous rage with which she had recounted her tragedy began to subside.

“I’ve doubted too. Many times. Living with other priestesses whom never would speak to me, for fear of my blindness. But I found family during this awful story of mine. Perhaps one day, you’ll find your own. Until then… “

“I’ll carry on as I have. Now, tonight’s menu is straight forward, so perhaps you have any ideas on how to bring it up a notch?”